Storehouse Birth: Behind the Name

Please forgive me as I make this inane comparison between training/running a race, and carrying/birthing a child. I don’t mean at all to depreciate the mighty work of a birthing mama, but I can’t ignore that it was in my trying moments of training that the origin of Storehouse was formed (and thus must be included in this story). Indulge me in considering how these two endeavors might be similar- The inevitable fluctuation between the euphoric highs and nervy lows; the lack of control on peripheral happenings, and their ensuing effect on you; The eventual soreness that serves as the souvenir for all your arduous work; And finally, the influential power of your mindset on the response of your physical body.

Regrettably, I second all of those people out there. You know, the ones that preach running is significantly more mental than it is physical. I suppose that’s kind of the case with all of life really. In those moments when you just don’t think you can take another step, it’s hard to believe that your head might actually have more power than your legs do in projecting you forward. But, the psychologies behind running and birth are oddly akin in this regard; they both emphasize the importance of concepts like disassociation, visualization, and affirmative thinking as strategies to overcome the likely self-doubt that might creep in. In the running realm, this self-doubt can lead you to want to slow down or even quit, and in the birth world it might stall the laboring process and create unwanted means for intervention. So why do we do either; why sign ourselves up for a race, or choose to bring a baby into the world, knowing what each will demand of our bodies? I snicker at myself asking such a question (knowing there are much loftier answers.. especially to the latter), but hear me out. The power and strength that comes on the other side of each finish line is what persuades and convinces us to endure all that we must. Well then, how do we magnificently prevail to access our own breakthrough, in the midst of uncertainty and fear? The strategy I exercised throughout my journey, would eventually become the namesake of Storehouse and the foundation of my support as a doula.

A storehouse is an edifice in which things are kept or a repository of abundant provisions to be reserved for a time of need. Job speaks of this concept in chapter 38- “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail, which I reserve for times of trouble, for days of war and battle?” If you’re anything like me, we often don’t think twice about our ability to rely on ourselves in times of need. We’re control seekers, ruminating on all the possible outcomes, and believing that somehow in our own strength, we will be better prepared to fight our inevitable wars. As runners this looks like buying the special shoes, eating the right food, sticking to our training plan and creating that perfect playlist. As expecting mamas this looks like attending yoga, writing the birth plan, studying the mom blogs and eating all the dates. But somewhere along the road, that moment hits. I bet you know the one- that reminds you you’re not actually the one in control. Despite your white knuckled grip on all your attempts to avoid hardship, winter still comes. Plans change. You’re in over your head. Maybe you injure your knee or you’re told the baby isn’t in the right position. Like Job, you become overwhelmed with the mysteries and paradoxes for which you have no answers. You need a place to run to; a place for your body, soul and mind to find shelter and refuge in. In the midst of Job’s suffering, he came to understand that God had already provided more than he needed. In the same way, we can sit in the abundant Storehouse of God, knowing that He is the God of more than enough! More than our present circumstances. More than our preparedness. More than our doubt. His perfect grace comes in His perfect timing, and is exactly what we need, when we need it. This act of open-handed obedience in running home to His storehouse allows us to step into our most difficult moments, uninhibited by the uncertainty that once held us in fear.